Swedish Huski Chocolate brand appoints James Hagen as CEO
Fast rising Swedish brand Huski Chocolate, has appointed James Hagen as its new Global CEO, as it prepares to expand its international operations including a key upcoming product launch for the UK market.
Hagen, who moves into the role having established the UK business, which specialises in hot chocolate ranges that have gained a following among mountaineers, elite sports and Formula One, succeeds co-founder Linus Wessman, who will be returning to the Huski Chocolate board.
Wessman has been credited, alongside co-founder Robin Hallberg, for taking the brand from humble beginnings to what has become an increasingly global brand, with strong ties to a range of key sports including Championship Football, motorsports, Offshore Powerboat Racing and Winter Sports.
Huski Chocolate, which will officially launch its premium hot chocolate product in the UK later this year, sponsors Formula 1 teams Alfa Romeo and McLaren, and the Millwall Football Club.
Linus Wessman, Co-Founder of Huski Chocolate, said: “It’s time to make a change. I’ve been on an incredibly fun and inspirational journey with Huski Chocolate for the past nine years, and I feel really blessed looking back at what we have accomplished.
“I’m happy to pass the torch into James’ very capable hands, and I feel very excited about my new role, where the journey continues with my friends and colleagues on the Huski Chocolate board.”
James Hagen, who has more than 15 years experience in establishing companies with food, tech and retail segments, said: “Huski Chocolate has a special story to tell, which involves Nordic mountains, really good chocolate drinks, inspirational characters and adventure – it’s a true Nordic thriller, and together with a fantastic team we are looking forward to writing the next chapter.”
Leading discussions with launch partners and retailers for Huski Chocolate UK since July 2019, Hagen has over fifteen years’ experience setting up, scaling and running companies within the food, tech and retail spaces.
